Teen convicted of striking far-right leader Baudet with beer bottle in Groningen

The court in Groningen has sentenced a 16-year-old boy from the city to jail and 80 hours of community service for hitting right-wing politician Thierry Baudet on the head with a beer bottle last year. The prison sentence is 109 days, with 90 of those conditionally suspended and two years of probation. The fact that the boy has already been in pre-trial detention means he does not have to return to a juvenile detention center with this sentence.

The incident occurred on November 20, 2023, in a cafe in Groningen. Baudet was attacked during a campaign event for the Parliamentary elections of 2023. The boy called Baudet a “fascist leader,” he told the court that this is dangerous and that measures needed to be taken against it.

He wanted the incident to send “a signal” to the politician that he needed to stop spreading hate about homosexuals. The party leader of the Forum voor Democratie (FVD) was left with a wound to his head after the incident.

"With his actions, the suspect seriously violated the physical integrity of the victim and not only caused him injury but also an extremely unpleasant and frightening experience," the court said.

The boy is being held accountable for attacking Baudet because he disagrees with his political views. "In a democratic constitutional state, it is of particular importance that politicians, regardless of their political background, can do their work without fear of restrictions on their safety." According to the judge, the fact that the injuries remained relatively limited was “pure luck.”

The court ruled that the suspect was guilty of an attempt to severe assault, committed with premeditation. A juvenile detention sentence of 138 days was recommended against the Groninger because the suspect is a minor.

Details of the case were discussed behind closed doors two weeks ago because the suspect was 15 at the time of the incident. The court ruling on Friday was made public despite this.

A second suspect was acquitted due to a lack of evidence. This was allegedly the suspect’s twin brother.